Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2009-10: Travis Brown was selected by Moose Jaw in the fourth round (76th overall) of the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft after winning a Manitoba provincial bantam championship with the Winnipeg Monarchs in 2008-09. Brown skated for the Monarchs midget team in the Winnipeg City League; in 32 games he scored 7 goals with 17 assists and had 42 penalty minutes.

2010-11: Brown made his WHL debut, appearing in two November games, one March contest and three playoff games for Moose Jaw. He spent the bulk of the season playing for the Winnipeg Wild midget AAA team. He had 1 assist and was minus-one in three regular season games and did not have any points or penalty minutes in the playoffs for the Warriors. In 42 games for the Wild he scored 6 goals with 24 penalty minutes and had 33 penalty minutes. The Wild finished second behind the Winnipeg Thrashers in the regular season and fell to the Southwest Cougars in the playoff semifinals. In seven playoff games Brown had 3 assists with 4 penalty minutes.

2011-12: The 17-year-old Brown played a much larger role than expected in his first full season with Moose Jaw due to an injury to Maple Leafs' prospect Morgan Rielly. Brown appeared in 66 games and scored 7 goals with 24 assists and 45 penalty minutes. Brown and forward Eric Arnold shared the plus/minus lead for the Warriors (plus-19). Moose Jaw finished first in the East Division and reached the playoff semifinals. In ten playoff games Brown was minus-three with 2 assists and 4 penalty minutes. Brown was ranked 89th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft and was selected by Chicago in the fifth round (149th overall).

2012-13: Brown returned to Moose Jaw for his second season in the WHL. Playing on a defense corps that included Maple Leafs prospect Morgan Rielly, Brown scored 9 goals with 30 assists in 70 games, trailing only Rielly for points amongst Warriors defensemen. Brown was -22 with 54 penalty minutes as Moose Jaw missed the WHL playoffs, finishing fourth in the East Division.

Talent Analysis

A balanced defenseman, Travis Brown combines puck-moving ability with a 6'2 frame and commitment to the physical game. He skates very well and has good mobility in all directions. When the puck is on his stick, he can make safe plays on the breakout as well as get his shot through at the offensive end.

Future

Brown has been a key defender for Moose Jaw in each of the past two seasons, ranking behind only Morgan Rielly in points over that span. Brown will be counted on heavily again in 2013-14 and should have the chance to skate in all situations for the Warriors. He needs to continue filling out his 6'2 frame, but another productive WHL season could force the Blackhawks hand when Brown's signing deadline comes around in the summer of 2014.

Share this story

Photo: Tyler Motte will look to use an increase in ice time to bolster his offensive production in 2014-15. (courtesy of Brad Rempel/Icon Sportswire)

The Chicago Blackhawks found themselves on the wrong side of the handshake line after game seven of the Western Conference Final, and although the Blackhawks’ offseason plans did not include planning another celebratory parade, there was plenty of work to be done.

Share this story

Photo: Ryan Hartman, an integral piece of the Plymouth Whalers offense so far this season, will look to help Team USA defend their WJC gold medal later this month (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

With the majority of prospects playing at the pro level, the Chicago Blackhawks pool of junior prospects is only four players deep in 2013-14. The group still features plenty of talent, including 2013 first round pick Ryan Hartman and 2012 second round pick Dillon Fournier.

Share this story

Photo: Brandon Pirri earned an opportunity on Chicago’s second line and has responded with three goals, one assist in his last five games (courtesy of Robin Alam/Icon SMI)

The Chicago Blackhawks’ organizational depth has begun to break through to the NHL level in 2013-14. Led by Brandon Pirri, a handful of prospects have seen playing time in Chicago so far this season, while the depth on the wing and the blue line allowed General Manager Stan Bowman to swing a trade for former-Blackhawk Kris Versteeg.

Share this story

Photo: Winger Jimmy Hayes has been a buzzy name in training camp and is one of several prospects knocking on the door of full-time NHL duty going into 2013-14 (courtesy of Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI)

The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of prospects to watch during the 2013-14 season, particularly at the pro level where a few spots are open in Chicago and a talented class of rookies will be debuting with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.

Share this story

Photo: OHL rookie Alex Broadhurst is already making an impact with his new team as a key piece to the London Knights winning streak, which now stands at 18 games. (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks have 12 prospects developing in major junior and junior 'A' leagues across North America. Led by 2011 first round picks Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault, the group is largely made up of late round draft picks fighting to prove they are deserving of a pro contract.